Add Libb Handbags are made from durable uphosltery fabric and often feature genuine cowhide leathers. If you have landed on this page, then you are probably curious about how to care for our bags. We've got all the answers for you right here! This page is designed for those who want to know every detail and suggestion, so do not be overwhelmed by the breadth of information.

CARING FOR OUR UPHOLSTERY FABRICS

As a general rule, any method you would use to spot-treat or clean a throw pillow in your home is going to be suitable for Add Libb handbags. TIDE-TO-GO PENS (available online, click here) work wonders, and I often recommend keeping one in your bag for when you are out and about. This way you can treat stains right away and then apply some water to de-saturate the cleaner when you get home.

We also recommend pre-treating with a fabric protectant to help ward off stains and repel liquids.  This will help reduce general signs of aging and broad staining, and hopefully reduce the need for spot treatments along the way. Add Libb does not pre-treat our handbags with protectants, as many people have skin allergies to various compounds.

All that being said, we do have customers who choose to forego protectants, and their handbags have held up beautifully.  For most, this will be a question of how cautious you are in general, and the nature of the fabric you select. Some fabrics with wider weaves and darker tones may show little to no signs of dirtiness, while tighter weaves and lighter tones may show more.

Regardless of what fabric protectant you choose to use, be sure to spot-test first and have a clear understanding of how the product may affect any leather accents on your handbag. If it is not a leather-friendly product, cut a piece of properly-sized paper to cover the leather during application.

One highly rated product is SCOTCHGUARD FABRIC WATER SHIELD, available online, click here.

CARING FOR OUR LEATHERS

Our cowhide leathers can be conditioned using any type of leather lotion or protectant, but please be aware that such applications to leather can darken its tone slightly.  Again, read the instructions and warnings on your leather protectant bottle and do a spot-test first. 

Our shoulder straps are Spanish cowhide leather and age beautifully.  We have never had a complaint of our straps cracking over time, but as always with leather, you do not want it to get too dry and if your strap becomes less pliable, try a leather lotion to soften it back up. 

CARING FOR HANDLED BAGS

Our Silver D handbags have Stainless Steel handles, so there is absolutely no maintenance required with these and they will not de-tone or tarnish in any way over time. 

For our leather-handled bags we highly recommend using your hands to open the internal purse frame manually, rather than tugging on the handles to achieve this pop-open action. Leather softens over time, even thick rigid leather. Pulling the handles away from the bag in this manner will lead to handles that soften faster than they should.  For optimum longevity, simply slip your hands through the handles and into the crack of the internal purse frame and open manually. 

CARING FOR OUR ADD-ON WOODEN HANDLE

Some folks find that from time to time the chain on their wooden handle becomes twisted and they have trouble figuring out how to untwist it.  The chains are attached to the wooden handles at the ends and these chains can spin around the handle.  A single rotation of the chain around the rod that attaches it to the handle should begin to unfurl the chain.  Click here for a video showing this fix.

CARING FOR OUR PURSE FRAMES

This is an aspect of our handbag design that we GUARANTEE. If you ever have a problem with your frame that cannot be cured by these instructions, we will replace it for free. Our frames are constructed with spring-open hinges, located in the frame's two corners, directly below where the strap attaches. Like any two interactive pieces of metal, these corner hinges may need a drop of oil, now and then, to maintain smooth and quiet operation.  The three lines of brass toned metal is the hinge.  Any kind of basic kitchen oil will do. I recommend using a dropper or q-tip to avoid soiling the interior fabric.

Thank you for visiting to find out more about Add Libb's handbag care instructions.  If you have further questions, please contact us through our Customer Care Page.